Volvo XC90 gets sporty

The Volvo XC90 R-Design package was first unveiled at this year’s Detroit motor show. It maintains many of the characteristics found on the SE Sport variant it replaces, such as 19-inch alloys (20-inch examples cost extra), unique badging on the chrome grille and four exhaust pipes.The vehicle also comes without roof rails to create a “sleeker appearance”, although if you really do need them for skis and bicycles then they are still available as a no-cost option.Staying with the XC90, Volvo has lowered the CO2 output of its best-selling model, the D5 Geartronic. The five-cylinder diesel model drops to 224g/km, sneaking into the F tax band. That should save owners £570 in Vehicle Excise Duty over three years.The Volvo XC90's stablemate, the V70 estate, has also been endowed with the R-Design package. Read more about it here.